Minneapolis Public Housing Authorityhttp://mphaonline.org
The mission of the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) is to promote and deliver quality, well-managed homes to a diverse low income population and, with partners, contribute to the well-being of the individuals, families and community we serve.Mon, 05 Dec 2016 20:25:21 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.6.1MPHA Board approves recommendation of Gregory P. Russ as next Executive Director/CEOhttp://mphaonline.org/mpha-board-appoints-gregory-p-russ-as-next-executive-directorceo/
Wed, 16 Nov 2016 22:05:04 +0000http://www.mphaonline.org/?p=8898Selection moves to Minneapolis City Council for confirmation in December

The Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) Board of Commissioners has voted to approve the recommendation that Gregory Russ become MPHA’s next Executive Director/CEO. Russ would assume leadership of the agency following the February 2017 retirement of current Executive Director/CEO Cora McCorvey. Commissioners made the unanimous decision at their regular monthly board meeting on November 16. The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Minneapolis City Council.

Mr. Russ is currently Executive Director of the Cambridge (Massachusetts) Housing Authority. He brings more than three decades of experience to MPHA, including work at the Chicago and Philadelphia housing authorities and at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Among other industry leadership experience, he is a past president of the Public Housing Authority Directors Association.

Greg Russ speaks to the MPHA Board of Commissioners on Nov. 16 prior to his approval by the board.

A board-appointed Executive Director Search Committee recommended Mr. Russ after a 18-month planning and search process. The Search Committee included four MPHA commissioners as well as community partners and a resident representative, assisted by executive search consultant CohenTaylor. The process included research and community outreach, a nationwide recruitment effort, interviews, and other assessment tools.

“We’re very excited to make this recommendation, and I feel fortunate that Greg is excited to lead our organization going forward,” said MPHA Commissioner and Search Committee Chair Tom DeAngelo. The Search Committee cited Russ’s passion for the mission, empathy for those MPHA serves, consensus-building skills, and experience leading complex organizations.

“It is really a privilege to have this opportunity,” Russ told the board. “Thank you so much, and I look forward to working with everyone.”

In making the decision, Commissioners acknowledged the “legacy of excellence” that current Executive Director McCorvey has established in her 25 years as the MPHA’s first and only leader to-date. If confirmed, Mr. Russ would likely begin his transition at the MPHA in early January, taking over from Ms. McCorvey following her February 10, 2017 retirement.

“I believe that Greg Russ will be a great leader,” McCorvey told the board. “His demeanor, his passion, and his expertise in his field have not gone unnoticed by me and others around the country. Greg and I will work together closely to make sure that the transition is a smooth one.”

Mr. Russ will be unavailable for interviews until confirmed by the Minneapolis City Council.

]]>MPHA secures conditional funding to construct new “Minnehaha Townhomes” for homeless familieshttp://mphaonline.org/mpha-secures-crucial-funding-to-construct-new-minnehaha-townhomes-for-homeless-families/
Thu, 20 Oct 2016 15:06:06 +0000http://www.mphaonline.org/?p=8544The Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) is pleased to announce $1.57 million dollars in proposed funding from the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) to enable the construction of Minnehaha Townhomes. The 16-unit townhome development will provide permanent housing for families exiting Hennepin County homeless shelters. The MHFA contribution would be by far the largest component of a financing package from various sources; with this crucial investment, the vision for Minnehaha Townhomes is close to reality.

“These 16 homes are a rare opportunity to directly take on the crisis in housing for large, very low-income families,” said MPHA Executive Director and CEO Cora McCorvey. “Although the need is enormous, this project will be life-changing for the deserving families who live there, and should be a model for future efforts.” The current groundbreaking target is the summer of 2017, with townhomes available for move-in the following spring.

The townhomes will feature four buildings of four units each, on a presently vacant site on Riverview Avenue in the Minnehaha neighborhood of Minneapolis. Along with Hennepin County and other partners, MPHA will combine stable, quality housing with essential, on-site social services for families seeking to emerge from a cycle of homelessness. Units of two, three, and four bedrooms will suit families of varying size. The grounds feature a community garden, children’s play area, outdoor patio, and connections to city sidewalk and trail systems.

“With Minnehaha Townhomes, we’ve got an ideal combination of design and location to enable families to succeed and move forward,” said MPHA Director of Policy and Special Initiatives Bob Boyd. The site is a quarter-mile from a Metro Transit light rail station, providing crucial transportation to jobs, shopping, and services for families who are unlikely to have cars. It is walking distance from the VA Medical Center and Minnehaha Regional Park.

The Minnehaha Townhomes are a part of MPHA’s “Shelter-to-Housing” initiative, and would be constructed and operated by MPHA under its “Faircloth” authority, which provides a federal operating subsidy for public housing units. As HUD does not have a development program, construction of these homes requires funding for other sources, such as MHFA. The $1.57 million in proposed deferred-loan funding for the Minnehaha Townhomes is part of an $80 million MHFA investment statewide in funding for affordable housing in 2016.

]]>MPHA’s Ben Jackson honored by National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) Upper Midwest Regionhttp://mphaonline.org/mphas-ben-jackson-honored-by-national-association-of-minority-contractors-namc-upper-midwest-region/
Fri, 07 Oct 2016 20:16:41 +0000http://www.mphaonline.org/?p=8459The National Association of Minority Contractors Upper Midwest (Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Iowa) this week recognized the contributions of MPHA’s Ben Jackson for his work in developing capacity for Minority and Section 3 Contractors. Ben’s work—most recently as MPHA’s Buyer/Section 3 Coordinator—has enabled Minority and Section 3 Contractors to navigate HUD’s procurement requirements and take advantage of the economic opportunities offered through MPHA’s contacting. Ben was honored by Duane Etheridge, owner of New Image Construction and Remodeling and President of the NAMCUM.

Carlo Lachmasingh of Lachmasingh Electrical Sales & Supply, a past president of the NAMCUM, testified to Ben’s activities on behalf of NAMC and his commitment to diversity in contracting. He noted that Ben had invited three guests to share in his recognition (from left in photo above): Representative Joe Mullery – (DFL) District: 59A – Minneapolis; MPHA Executive Director/CEO Cora McCorvey; and Bob Boyd, MPHA Director of Policy and Special Initiatives (Ben is at right).

Ms. McCorvey noted that Ben has announced his retirement, effective October 15, 2016. She wanted NAMC members to know that her purpose for attending the meeting was to celebrate the role Ben has played in creating pathways for participation by minority and Section 3 contractors in MPHA’s economic activities. “MPHA has almost $1 billion in assets and over a $100 million annual budget. This type of economic activity is good for our city but it has been challenging for minority and other small and underutilized firms to participate in securing contracts and business due to complicated procurement processes. Ben has worked tirelessly to open the door for participation by working with his colleagues to create the ‘Supplier Diversity Program.’ And he helped implement and later oversee MPHA’s Section 3 Employment and Contracting efforts.”

Ben Jackson’s efforts have also brought distinction to the MPHA, which has been the recipient of the NAMC “Affiliate of the Year” award multiple times over the past several years.

]]>MPHA statement following resident council decision to reject “Mogadishu, Minnesota” filminghttp://mphaonline.org/mpha-statement-following-resident-council-decision-to-reject-mogadishu-minnesota-filming/
Wed, 05 Oct 2016 22:18:59 +0000http://www.mphaonline.org/?p=8455STATEMENT OF THE MINNEAPOLIS PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITY (MPHA)following the meeting of the resident council of 1627 South Sixth Street regarding “Mogadishu, Minnesota” filming at that location.

October 5, 2016

At the September 28 meeting of the MPHA Board of Commissioners, the board passed a motion calling on MPHA staff to move ahead with contract negotiations with HBO for the filming of a television pilot titled, “Mogadishu, Minnesota.” The motion included the requirement that the use of MPHA facilities for filming be approved by the highrise resident council of the building where HBO producers wished to film. HBO producers identified the Cedar Highrise development, and specifically the building at 1627 South Sixth Street, as their chosen site. A second condition of the motion required that the fee earned by the MPHA from this contract be directed to the community within the building for its benefit.

This afternoon, the resident council of 1627 South Sixth Street gathered to hear invited guests from both HBO and a group opposed to the show. Residents of all buildings in the Cedar High Apartment complex were invited to attend the first part of the discussion; residents of only 1627 then returned to their building for a private discussion and vote by secret ballot. Resident councils operate under the umbrella of the Minneapolis Highrise Representative Council, a nonprofit organization independent from the MPHA. MPHA staff provided security and other logistical assistance, per our usual protocol, for a gathering held in our buildings; however, the resident council set the agenda and format for its meeting and its vote.

Based upon that secret ballot vote, the resident council has rejected the request to film “Mogadishu, Minnesota” in their building. According to the terms of the MPHA board motion, this means that filming cannot go forward utilizing MPHA facilities. The MPHA respects the decision of the resident council, who voted unanimously against the filming.

In keeping with the motion from our board to move forward, MPHA staff has worked in good faith to lay the groundwork for possible filming. These actions include facilitating an HBO scouting visit to the location earlier this week, readying a contract to submit immediately to HBO in the event of an affirmative vote, coordinating the logistics for holding an unscheduled resident council meeting on short-notice, and replying promptly to all communications from HBO representatives. At the same time, we have taken in and acknowledge the concerns some public housing residents and others in the community have directed to our office in recent days.

]]>MPHA Board conditionally approves “Mogadishu, Minnesota” filminghttp://mphaonline.org/mpha-board-conditionally-approves-mogadishu-minnesota-filming/
Wed, 28 Sep 2016 21:45:43 +0000http://www.mphaonline.org/?p=8442At today’s monthly meeting of the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) Board of Commissioners, the Board voted to conditionally approve the production of a television episode pilot by HBO (currently titled “Mogadishu, Minnesota”) at the MPHA-owned and managed Cedar High Apartments. The agreement to allow filming is conditioned upon approval by the building’s resident council, and upon developing a satisfactory arrangement by which certain fees paid by HBO will benefit residents.

The five board members present for today’s meeting approved the motion unanimously, after hearing statements and asking questions of HBO, Minneapolis City Council Member Abdi Warsame, and a representative of community members opposed to the proposal. While recognizing the potential benefits of the project, Board members also acknowledged strong differences of opinion within the local Somali community. The Board also requested the input of MPHA Executive Director Cora McCorvey. McCorvey expressed the concerns of MPHA staff with protecting the privacy, safety, and quality of life of public housing residents. Following the Board’s approval, McCorvey stated that MPHA will work diligently to protect residents’ interests during the process. She also requested that the Minneapolis City Council and others explore ways that the financial benefits of the project could be returned to the MPHA to support our mission to provide homes for a diverse, low-income population in Minneapolis.

For more information, residents should contact their property manager.

As a Moving-to-Work public housing agency, each fiscal year the MPHA drafts a new annual plan for submission to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). During public meetings and in written form, the MPHA receives comments from the the public, including residents and other stakeholders. These comments help inform our current draft plan, future years’ planning, and other ongoing aspects of agency business. Although there is no requirement to do so, MPHA has traditionally worked to capture and document all of these comments, and publish our responses.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to comment on the plan this year. For further questions, please use the appropriate contact on our Contact Us page.

]]>MPHA Draft FY2017 MTW Plan & Supporting Documents for Public Reviewhttp://mphaonline.org/mpha-draft-fy2017-mtw-plan-supporting-documents-for-public-review/
Mon, 01 Aug 2016 14:22:39 +0000http://www.mphaonline.org/?p=8216(IMPORTANT UPDATE TO THIS POST: The documents below have been submitted and approved since this post was created. Find the latest versions of all policies on our “Policies and Publications“ page.)

Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) has developed its Draft 2017 Annual Moving To Work (MTW) Plan in compliance with HUD’s Amended and Restated Moving To Work Agreement.

The Draft Plan and supporting documents are available for review and comment at MPHA’s administrative offices, 1001 Washington Avenue North, Minneapolis or at the links below beginning August 1, 2016. MPHA’s hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A public hearing on the Draft MTW Plan and supporting documents will be held on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. at the MPHA Administrative Offices. Written comments will be accepted through September 2, 2016. Written comments should be submitted to Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, ATTN: Mary Abrahamson, 1001 Washington Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55401 or e-mailed to mabrahamson@mplspha.org.

]]>MPHA Executive Director/CEO Cora McCorvey to Retirehttp://mphaonline.org/mpha-executive-directorceo-cora-mccorvey-to-retire/
Thu, 05 May 2016 16:48:54 +0000http://www.mphaonline.org/?p=7853After nearly 40 years of public service including 25 years as Executive Director/CEO of the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA), Cora McCorvey announced her plans to retire effective February 10, 2017. “My decision to retire was difficult. My sense of loss for a position and an Agency that I love and for which I continue to have deep passion is profound,” McCorvey said.

]]>MPHA Created Affordable Housing Since 2005http://mphaonline.org/mpha-created-affordable-housing-since-2005/
Tue, 09 Feb 2016 20:39:28 +0000http://www.mphaonline.org/?p=7523At the January 27, 2016 Board meeting there was a question regarding the amount of new public and low income housing MPHA has created. Between 2005 and 2016, through its Public Housing and Section 8 Housing Programs, MPHA has been responsible for creating 157 new public housing units and 424 affordable housing opportunities under its Section 8 programs. As you read further, you will see a breakdown of the MPHA created affordable housing.

]]>STEP-UP Application Time is Here!http://mphaonline.org/step-up-application-time-is-here/
Tue, 08 Dec 2015 20:50:48 +0000http://www.mphaonline.org/?p=7415The STEP-UP application season is upon us once again! The online application to the 2016 program is available NOW. The application deadline is Friday, February 5, 2016 at midnight. Youth ages 14-21 who live in Minneapolis may apply.

The link to the STEP UP web page. Click on “Apply to STEP UP” to apply. Look in the yellow section for recruitment flyers and a guide on how to get a STEP-UP job.